RYA Dayskipper Practical - 5 Day Sailing Course

Previous Experience Required:

• Theory knowledge equivalent to RYA Day
  Skipper Theory level
• Practical sailing skills at RYA Competent
  Crew level (recommended: 5 days at sea, 100 nautical miles, 4-night hours)
• Minimum age: 16

Take the Helm with Confidence

The RYA Day Skipper
Practical Course is designed to enhance your sailing expertise, preparing you to skipper a cruising yacht safely and effectively. This internationally recognized qualification opens the door to global yacht charters and qualifies you to apply for the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), essential for overseas sailing.

What Will You Learn?

This coursetransitions you from crew to skipper. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll take charge of a short passage, managing navigation, decision-making, and crew coordination in real-time. Safety is always a priority, but you’ll have the opportunity to build confidence in taking the lead.

Key skills include:

• Preparation and Deck Work: Yacht readiness, sail handling, and effective teamwork
• Navigation and Pilotage: Plotting courses, position fixing, and understanding tidal heights
• Boat Handling: Manoeuvring in marinas, anchoring, picking up mooring buoys, and handling emergencies like man-overboard recovery
• Leadership and Responsibility: Managing the well-being of both the yacht and the crew

A highlight of the course is a night sail, where you’ll hone your navigation skills under the stars—a unique and rewarding experience.

Course Structure

The five-day course begins at 9 AM with a safety briefing and yacht orientation. From there, you’ll set sail into the waters of Geographe Bay, exploring destinations such as Castle
Rock, Meelup, Eagle Bay, and possibly Koombana Bay in Bunbury. Each day features a balance of sailing practice, anchoring in scenic bays for lunch (and a swim, if conditions allow), and evening stops at marinas, moorings, or anchorages. A night sail is also included, giving you valuable experience in low-light conditions. 

What’s Included?

• RYA Day Skipper Practical Certificate: Recognized worldwide and qualifying you for the ICC
• RYA Logbook: Documenting your achievements and experience

Accommodation and meals are provided onboard, with shared sleeping arrangements. Cabins are allocated on arrival, and in some cases, a berth may be in the saloon.

Pre-Course Preparation

This course requires prior completion of the RYA Day Skipper Theory course or equivalent knowledge, along with practical skills at RYA Competent Crew level. If you need additional theory preparation, consider our Aspiring Day Skipper package.

Ready to Start?

With a maximum of five students per course, spots are limited. Secure your place today and take the next step in your sailing journey toward becoming a skilled and confident yacht

skipper.

Next step: - RYA Coastal / Yachtmaster Theory then RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

Contact us on 0412 060 130 or email sailing@oceanwest.net.au